The Variation in Environment Over Different Surfaces

We are currently conducting pilot studies on this project and seeking external funding to conduct a large scale research project.

Summary of Project
Athletic and working dogs compete and work in different local climatic conditions. The environmental conditions at the location where the dogs work may vary from the environmental conditions reported in the local media. The environments where ambient heat, humidity, and solar radiation are high are of particular concern as to the safety of a dog. Surfaces have different thermodynamic properties and react to ambient heat, humidity, and solar radiation in various ways. Some surfaces hold heat and cause a heat gradient between the air and ground. Dogs work and compete with in this heat gradient. Thus dogs may be subjected to dangerous levels of heat. The purpose of this study is to measure the variance if any between media reported environmental conditions and the external environment around dogs. More specifically, the external environment around dogs in three different environments (i.e. over asphalt, concrete, and grass) and their metabolic affects on the dogs.